Chapter 421
After lunch and the movie, Ashley and Sam passed an arcade. Sam remembered how long it had been since he’d played games with Ashley. He dragged Ashley inside.
Shopping, eating, movies, and arcades were pretty normal for Sam. But it had been he’d spent time with Ashley, and even these ordinary things felt extra special. Ashley had dinner plans with Derek that evening.
ages
since
Leaving the arcade, Ashley intended to drop Sam off at the Jones residence before heading to her appointment.
Sam didn’t want to leave her, though. He tugged at her hand, pouting.“Can’t I come with you?” Ashley hesitated.
Derek had only invited her for a casual dinner; it was not about something important. Bringing Sam shouldn’t be a problem.
With that, Ashley called Derek, asking if he minded if she brought a
a child. Derek chuckled.“It’s okay, Ashley. I don’t mind at all.” He paused.“Is he your son?” Ashley said, “Yes.”
Derek was surprised.
At their last meeting, Ashley had mentioned she was married, but he hadn’t expected her to be a mother. After all, she was so young.
Half an hour later, Ashley, hand–in–hand with Sam, entered the private box. Derek was already there.
lot like you,”
Seeing Sam, Derek smiled. “Ashley, this is your son? He looks a lot like
Ashley smiled.“Yes.”
“What’s his name?”
“Sam Sterling.”
“Sterling… Sterling?”
Derek was stunned.
At first glance, he’d found Sam familiar, though he couldn’t figure out why.
Knowing Sam’s last name, it clicked. He remembered encountering the Sterlings around New Year’s. The little boy Chase had been holding… it was Sam.
He stared at Ashley with surprise.“You married Chase Sterling?”
Ashley nodded. “Yes.”
Derek was unusually silent for a moment.
When Ashley had said she was married, he’d wondered how such a brilliant woman could get married so young. It was hard to find someone worthy of her.
But if that someone was Chase Sterling…
Honestly, considering all aspects, in their circle, Chase was the only one who could match her.
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Thinking this, Derek smiled, but remembering Ashley’s melancholy tone when she’d mentioned her marriage, and how he hadn’t seen her with the Sterlings at New Year’s, he realized that the problems between Ashley and Chase were bigger than he’d thought.
He gestured for Ashley and Sam to sit, then produced two red envelopes, one for each of them. Ashley tried to refuse, but Derek said warmly, “I’m your elder. Giving red envelopes to youngsters during the New Year is perfectly normal. There isn’t much money in it, just take it.” Ashley accepted.“Thank you, Uncle Derek.”
Then she turned to Sam.“Sam, what should you say to Mr. Cooper?”
Sam, polite and poised, said, “Thank you, Mr. Cooper.”
“Oh, you’re welcome.” Derek, looking at Sam again, smiled.“He takes after Chase more.”
Ashley nodded. “I think so too.”
Derek laughed.“Whether he looks like Chase or you, he’ll be amazing.” Ashley smiled faintly, lowering her gaze and saying nothing.
Derek continued, “My son still hasn’t made peace with you?” Ashley shook her head, smiling slightly.“Things Derek laughed.“Fine.”
seem to be even worse.”
He said nonchalantly, “Life was just too easy for him. A little lesson will do him good. I’m actually looking forward to it.”
Derek and Ashley chatted for another hour after dinner before parting ways. Ashley spent the next few days at home, poring over the materials Burke had given her. While Ashley worked, Sam was surprisingly well–behaved. He would occasionally go out with the Joneses, but mostly staying in his room to play.
However, he video–chatted with Chase every day.
Tanya was usually present during these calls. It wasn’t that Ashley cared about it, but Sam knew Ashley didn’t like Tanya, so he’d take his iPad outside to chat with Tanya.
After two days of intense focus, Ashley finally had a breakthrough. It was the first time since receiving the materials that she had such a clear vision.
That day, she worked from morning till night, ignoring even her family’s calls.
Seeing how engrossed she was, Mandy brought her lunch
- up.
The food was getting cold and Ashley hadn’t eaten. Sam urged her, “Mommy, eat.”
Ashley hummed, her eyes still glued to the screen. It seemed that she wasn’t even hearing. Sam pursed his lips, calling to Ashley several times before she finally reacted and started eating.
The same thing happened again in the evening.
Ashley didn’t even have time to eat. Sam had tried to ask her to bathe him, but after several attempts, he gave up. He went downstairs to ask Henry for help instead. Returning to the room after bath, Sam saw Ashley still at her laptop. He climbed into bed and went to sleep.
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He didn’t sleep well. When he woke up, he found the sky already light. He ga up, dutching his pillow, and went to find Ashley.”Mommy, you didn’t sleep at all?
Ashley replied casually, “No. Go back to sleep, don’t worry
Sam was speechless.
He was already awake.
about me?
“Mommy, aren’t
you
tired?”
“No.”
Sam had intended to ask if she was hungry, but he saw her frown, as if he was bothering her. Without saying anything, he quietly went to get ready.
